UNINVITED

The grand Capitol cathedral stood tall, its white spires piercing the gray winter sky. Unseen by anyone, a layer of energy surrounded it. It served as a magical shield that stopped anyone from teleporting directly inside unless someone already inside made a connection. It could also be switched to a full-on barrier, but on a normal day like today, this was its mode.

They had informed the Bishop of their arrival, and as such, he was the one who provided them with a direct link into the church. Kojo, Lin, Cassandra, along with Saints Yukio and Leonard, appeared within the compound of the church premises, the last bits of their teleportation fading away.

Bishop Rigarde, with a few people from the church, waited for them. He bowed deeply as they walked forward towards his group, and his people did the same. Rigard wore a heavy, beautiful winter cloak, a rich white color. A shiny silver clasp shaped like the cathedral's symbol held it together. Kojo quickly noticed Dr. Olson standing with the group, but he maintained a neutral expression and looked away.

The bishop turned to Yukio and Leo, his smile becoming even brighter.

"Saint Yukio, Saint Leonard, thank the Goddess! We're so grateful you found Lady Cassandra." He looked at Yukio. "We were very worried."

Yukio, her face peaceful, said, "There was no need to worry, Bishop. Lady Cassandra was with Kojo in Ekron."

Rigard looked surprised.

"Ekron? Without ever coming to Archadia, she managed to make her way all the way there? How strange. Perhaps she had a vision?"

"We can't share the details of our mission right now, Bishop," Leo said.

Rigard looked at Leo for a moment, then smiled.

"Of course, of course. I was just so happy to see Lady Cassandra safe." He pointed towards the cathedral's entrance. "Please, come inside. It's warm there."

Kojo, showing a little boredom on his face, spoke again.

"I'm sorry, Bishop, but I must go to the king right away. I need to tell him I'll be going north for a bit."

Rigard blinked, confused, but then smiled. "Oh, it's alright."

Olson stepped forward, his eyes shining.

"Well, would you look at that, I'm also moving in that direction. We could go together if it's not going to bother you," he said. Kojo wasn't happy about this, but he kept his face calm and just shrugged.

Lin, her dark cloak swirling around her, said, "I'm going to visit a friend in the city as well."

"Okay. Bye, Lin," Cassandra said. Lin nodded quickly and walked away towards the church's exit. Kojo and Olson followed.

Rigard watched them leave and board a carriage. Then he turned to Yukio and Leo, leading them inside.

"Please, follow me."

As they walked down a quiet hallway, Rigard spoke softly.

"I may be sounding rude, but I wanted to speak with you alone. Their absence is the perfect opportunity."

"Well, that did sound rude," Cassandra said.

"Of course," Rigarde said with a chuckle, leading them into a room at the end of the hall.

They entered Rigard's office, a warm and comfortable room. Two soft sofas faced each other across a small table. Rigard sat on one, and Yukio, Leo, and Cassandra sat on the other. A church worker came in, quietly brought them drinks, and then left.

"First, thank you so much for finding Cassandra," Rigard said, his voice sincere. "Now, please tell me the details."

Leo was about to speak, but Yukio gently put her hand on his leg, stopping him. She spoke first, her voice calm. Rigard's eye twitched slightly, but no one noticed.

Meanwhile, Kojo and Olson sat in a carriage, the sound of the wheels echoing. Olson's eyes moved over Kojo's clothes: his black, tight sleeveless shirt, the fingerless gloves that covered his arms up to his biceps, and his black track pants with white sneakers. He looked very different from everyone else. Olson was very curious.

"Lord Kojo," Olson began, his voice smooth, "you don't seem cold at all. Aren't you affected by the winter?"

Kojo, resting his chin on his hand and tapping his foot, said, "I'm very resistant to heat and cold."

"I see," Olson said, his eyes lingering on Kojo's bare arms. "So..." he paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, "...so..."

Lin sat in Sol's dimly lit shop, surrounded by the warm glow of lanterns and the soft sparkle of winter-themed jewelry and accessories. The air was filled with a soft fragrance that made the winter-fashioned interior of the shop look snug and cozy. Sol leaned back in his chair, his eyes closed as Lin spoke.

Lin stole glances at the interior decor of the shop as she filled him in. Meka's Magic, Sol's shop, had transformed to showcase the latest winter fashion trends. The man himself was dressed in attire and makeup highlights that accentuated his nearly beautiful face. A soft, cream-colored sweater hugged his lean physique, while a pair of fitted, dark-washed pants emphasized his long legs. A sprinkle of snowflake-patterned chain bracelets and earrings added a touch of whimsy to his outfit, making him look like a winter wonderland model.

"So that's why I'm going north with Kojo," Lin said, her voice low and serious. "The purpose for heading to Ezkanur."

Sol nodded, his expression unreadable. "Okay, okay. I see." He said, then got up to prepare some tea.

"Well, I don't really have a lot of people within Ezkanur," Sol said, his voice measured as he poured the hot water and added some herbs.

"But I've managed to get some contacts within the holy land." He returned with a tray and gestured towards the sugar. Lin shook her head and pointed at the milk instead. Sol poured some into hers and began to stir.

"That being said, Lin, I have to warn you. Although Ezkanur is the heart of the church, it's not as... holy as its name suggests." He said, handing her the cup.

"What do you mean?" she asked, taking a sip and frowning as the hot beverage burned her tongue. Sol blew on his for a while, then took a sip. He put the cup down and began to speak again.

"Despite what one would be inclined to think, Ezkanur is a place of many secrets. The church may preach of virtue and righteousness, but much like every organization that draws power from its influence over people, beneath the surface, there's a web of intrigue and deception. You'll need to be careful, Lin. Very careful."

"I understand, Sol. I'll be careful," Lin responded.

"Oh, I know you will. But I'm not too sure about your lover."

"L-l-lover?!" Lin said, nearly spilling the tea, her cheeks and the tips of her ears turning red.

"Knowing him, he's bound to stumble into something he shouldn't and cause all sorts of trouble." Lin coughed.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"Oh, it's nothing," Lin said, regaining her composure.

Sol's eyes seemed to glint in the dim light, and he leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Wait, why is he here?" Yukio demanded.

"Relax, Lady Yukio. We didn't know the situation concerning Lady Cassandra, so more help was required just in case, not that I don't believe in your abilities. Besides, I was not in a position to actually refuse given his position," Rigarde said, raising his hands and trying to calm her down. Yukio took a deep breath and sighed.

"Does he not understand the role we've been given? We've each been assigned a position. Me and Saint Leonard being dispatched to look for Cassandra was a last-minute decision as we had just left. But voluntarily leaving...?" Yukio fumed.

"Saint Yukio, please calm down. I'm sure he did not have any ill intent," he said.

"Yes. Besides, he told me that he had some of the Paladins cover for the three of you while he came down here."

Yukio looked at the bishop and sighed.

"This goes against protocol."

Meanwhile, in the chapel, the man who was the cause of her exasperation was kneeling down with his eyes closed, his sword lying near him, reflecting the sunlight from the stained-glass windows behind the statue of the goddess.